Celebrating Ten Years of Transformation at
Our Anniversary Gala
Our Anniversary Gala
Thank you to all who joined us at “Our House,” Crossover Mission’s 40,000 sq. ft. Center for Excellence for our 10th Anniversary Gala. This memorable evening celebrated not just a decade of transformative achievements, but also marked a significant stride toward our future goals, setting the stage for the next generation of student athletes to thrive and succeed.
We are immensely grateful to the Gala Committee, our Board of Directors, sponsors, and every guest whose presence and generosity illuminated the night. Special thanks to our Gala Committee members—Mary Buff Penrose, Kevin Osborn, Allison Ritter, Pat Shook, Anna Bain Slater, and Lisa Slater—for their tireless efforts in organizing this milestone event. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Buff Penrose, whose boundless energy and dedication have attracted countless supporters to our cause. In recognition of her transformative impact, we were honored to present her with the inaugural Crossover Mission SPARK Award. This award is given to individuals whose passion and creativity spark extraordinary change, mirroring the transformative journeys at the core of our mission. Mary Buff Penrose has truly lit the path for others, inspiring us all. Additionally, the evening was further highlighted by the announcement of a generous challenge grant from the Penrose Family, prompted by their commitment. This grant promises to greatly enhance our facilities and programs, marking another incredible highlight of the evening.
The gala evening commenced outdoors, where guests were greeted by our student athletes and alumni, offering a unique opportunity for supporters to meet the young individuals who benefit directly from their generosity. The charm and humor of Louis DeSchouwer and AJ Jennings, sons of our co-founders Antoine Jennings and Cathy DeSchouwer, set a delightful tone as they briefly recounted the origins and ten years of growth at Crossover Mission. Their stories shared with guests paved the way for an engaging evening.
Following this warm welcome, the Crossover Dribble Team dazzled the crowd with their precise skills and coordination, a testament to the progress and success that your support helps foster among our over 100 student athletes. The performances set the stage for the student speeches that followed, where young speakers demonstrated courage, honesty, and leadership, sharing their transformative experiences with the mission.
Thanks to the INCREDIBLE generosity of everyone involved, the gala raised over $500,000, directly supporting our programs and ensuring that we continue to empower and uplift the young athletes we serve.
We are profoundly grateful for the outstanding support and commitment that made this gala a monumental success. As we reflect on the evening’s achievements and the stories that touched our hearts, we are reminded of the powerful impact we can create together. Your continued partnership is essential as we advance our mission and prepare our student athletes for bright futures. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for believing in the potential of every young person we serve.
SAVE THE DATE!
Looking ahead, we invite you to mark your calendars for next year’s gala on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Here’s to another decade of growth, impact, and shared success at
Crossover Mission.
For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities,
please contact Director of Development Triana Romero at [email protected] or 772.257.5400.